INSIDE! 

Workshops 

Action Projects 

Infotext Articles 

Extended Learning for K-12 

LEAVE 

HUNGRY PESTS

BEHIND 

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
DEAR EDUCATOR, 

Invasive pests threaten our nation’s parks, forests, and food supply. But, 

we can all do simple things to help stop them. The U.S. Department 

of Agriculture (USDA) created the Leave Hungry Pests Behind service 

learning curriculum and the Hungry Pests Invade Middle School lesson 

plans to give the youth you work with the opportunity to help stop the 

spread of these invaders. 

Leave Hungry Pests Behind combines workshops that will familiarize your 

students with invasive pests and their impact on our farms and environment 

with action projects to inspire them to share this new knowledge with the larger 

community. In addition, grade-aligned informational text articles provide insight 

into USDA’s role in responding to the threat of hungry pests. These articles also 

invite students to explore future career opportunities with us. 

You’ll find even more Hungry Pests material in Hungry Pests Invade Middle 

School. This standards-based curriculum for grades 6-8 draws connections among 

core subjects like science, English Language Arts and Literacy, geography, math, 

government, and economics. Cross-curricular and project-based lessons and 

activities can be used in and outside of the classroom. 

By using these materials in your classroom, organization, or 

afterschool program, you’ll help to encourage your students 

to be informed and engaged change agents in the fight to 

Leave Hungry Pests Behind! 

Sincerely, 

Abbey Powell 

Public Affairs Specialist 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

United States Department of Agriculture

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 2
LEAVE 

HUNGRY 

PESTS 

BEHIND 

SERVICE LEARNING CURRICULUM 

Invasive pests threaten our 

nation’s parks, forests, and 

crops. And it’s up to all of us 

to help stop the spread of 

these Hungry Pests. The U.S. 

Department of Agriculture 

(USDA) created this service 

learning curriculum to teach 

youth about Hungry Pests, and 

inspire them to take action. 

WHY 

A SERVICE 

LEARNING 

PROGRAM? 

A service learning program 

creates opportunities for 

youth leadership and voice. 

Involving youth in activities 

that have a positive impact 

in the community also helps 

them to develop self-esteem 

and positive relationships with 

peers and adults. 

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 3
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW 

Workshop 1: Attack of the Invasive Pests! 

Workshop 2: Meet the Pests 

Workshop 3: Action Projects 

In workshops 1 and 2, all activities build knowledge of 

and familiarity with invasive pests. In Workshop 3, youth 

create community campaigns to help stop the spread of 

Hungry Pests. Each workshop includes a warm-up activity, 

video, main activity, and journal reflection. These ready-touse activities offer easy ways to engage youth in various 

venues. 

ACTION PROJECTS 

Choose from three action projects available for the 

following age groups or grade levels: 

• Reader's Theater Performance (Elementary School) 

• Community Plan Presentation & PowerPoint

(Middle School) 

• Installing Location-Specific Signage (High School) 

PROCESS 

Youth should work in small groups of two to four. You can 

select the action project as well as workshop activities that 

best suits your group's needs. You may choose to have all 

groups do the same activity, or invite each group to select 

its own topic. 

MATERIALS

• Creativity 

• Imagination 

• Pens 

• Paper 

• Pencils 

• Markers 

• Poster board 

• Other art supplies 

• Video projector/flat-screen tv 

• Computers 

TOTAL TIME:

3 HOURS, 15 MINUTES

(Each workshop is 1 hour, 25 minutes) 

CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS 

• English Language Arts 

• Geography 

• Art 

• Science 

CURRICULUM AT A GLANCE 

ONLINE RESOURCES 

Download the following online components at 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests/educators 

• “A Letter from Vin” 

• “A Day in Your Life with Invasive Pests” 

• Vin-troduction Video 

• Printable Pest Cards 

• “See How They Spread” Interactive Web Page 

• “Top Ways I Spread” 

• “ Ways to Leave Pests Behind” Infographic and Video 

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 4
WORKSHOP 1 ATTACK OF THE INVASIVE PESTS! 

MATERIALS

“A Letter from Vin,” copies 

of “A Day in Your Life with 

Invasive Pests,” “Hungry 

Pests Basics,” “Vin-troduction 

Video,” chart paper, markers 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

• Define invasive pests during a group discussion 

• Identify ways in which invasive pests can harm 

the environment and cause problems for people 

• Analyze the various ways that invasive pests are 

a threat 

WARM-UP: 

BIG WIND BLOWS (10 MINUTES) 

This game involves some movement. Arrange chairs in a 

circle. Have all players sit down facing the middle. An adult 

will call out “Big wind blows for everyone who...” and 

complete the phrase with any characteristic that describes 

the players in the group. For example, “Big wind blows for 

everyone who plays sports.” All players who play sports must 

stand and quickly find a new seat at least two chairs away 

from their own. Play a few rounds. Make sure to read the 

following prompts in the final rounds of the game: 

Big wind blows for everyone who... 

• ...likes to be outdoors. 

• ...likes to travel. 

• ...is afraid of bugs. 

Tell youth they will learn about invasive pests—plants, 

insects, or disease-causing microorganisms that are 

not native to an ecosystem and can cause harm to the 

environment, economy, or people. People can accidentally 

spread them on or in the things they move and pack. 

VIDEO: 

VIN-TRODUCTION (15 MINUTES) 

Introduce students to Vin Vasive, the spokesbug for Hungry 

Pests everywhere. Depending on access to technology, 

you can either read aloud “A Letter from Vin” or play the 

60-second Public Service Announcement, “A Lot of Mouths 

to Feed,” on www.aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests/press to 

expose students to Vin’s menacing ways. Afterward, have 

students share their reactions to Vin Vasive and make 

predictions about the kinds of damage he might bring to 

agriculture, the environment, and people. Record responses 

on chart paper. 

MAIN ACTIVITY: A DAY IN YOUR LIFE 

WITH HUNGRY PESTS (45 MINUTES) 

1. Have students read independently or you can read aloud 

for younger students “A Day in Your Life with Invasive 

Pests.” The article explains how invasive pests can impact 

our daily lives, from the breakfast table to an afternoon 

baseball game. 

2. Provide copies of “Hungry Pests Basics” (p.4) for 

reference. Then invite youth to work in small groups to 

make posters or storyboards that explain the following: 

• Pathways: How Hungry Pests travel and spread 

• The Threat: What damage Hungry Pests cause 

• The Impact: How the threat impacts our lives 

• A Call to Action: What we can each do to stop 

Hungry Pests 

3. Each group presents their poster or storyboard to the 

group and summarizes what they learned about invasive 

pests in one brief statement. 

JOURNAL PROMPT (15 MINUTES) 

Have youth reflect on what they learned about invasive pests 

and jot down questions they might have about how invasive 

pests might be affecting the local community. 

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 5
 Internet sales 

of agricultural 

products 

8

Recreational 

vehicles/trucks 

3

Camping/ 

outdoor gear 

(boots, tents) 

2 

CALL TO 

ACTION #1 

CLEAN 

YOUR 

BOOTS, 

TIRES, AND 

TENTS! 

CALL TO 

ACTION #2 

THINK 

BEFORE YOU 

PACK!

CALL 

TO ACTION #3 

DECLARE 

THAT 

FRUIT...OR 

BEWARE! 

HUNGRY PESTS BASICS 

HOW HUNGRY PESTS 

SPREAD 

Firewood

Outdoor 

furniture 

Luggage holding 

plants, fruits, or 

vegetables 

Plants and plant 

parts 

Household 

moves

Agricultural 

materials 

(hay, sod, farm 

equipment) 

WHAT’S AT RISK AND HOW INVASIVE 

PESTS CAN IMPACT US 

CROPS 

the cost and availability 

of the food we eat 

TREES 

our use of tree 

houses, baseball 

bats, maple syrup 

NATURAL 

RESOURCES 

our enjoyment of 

forests, parks 

1

5 6

7 

4

9

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 6
WARM-UP: HUNGRY PESTS VS. 

DEFENDERS (10 MINUTES) 

Divide the group into two teams: “Hungry Pests” and 

“Defenders.” Pairs from the different groups face off in a 

game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. The person that loses must join 

the winner’s team and follow the winner to the next game 

while cheering for the team. The winner then goes off to 

face another opponent from the opposite team. The game 

continues until there is a winning team (only players from 

one team are left) or a winner. 

INFOGRAPHIC/INTERACTIVE 

(15 MINUTES) 

Print the “Top Ways I Spread” infographic and discuss the 

different pathways. Learn more about each pathway at 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pestsdiseases/hungry-pests/How-They-Spread. 

JOURNAL (15 MINUTES) 

Have youth describe how invasive pests spread and their 

impact on the community. 

MAIN ACTIVITY: 

SPOT THE PESTS (45 MINUTES) 

1. In this creative arts activity, youth will build masks of 

Hungry Pests and learn to identify various invasive pests 

by what they look like. 

2. In addition to masks, youth can partner to create 

informative “Wanted” posters about various invasive 

pests. Posters should include the following information: 

Name of pest, what it looks like, where it poses a 

threat, what is at risk, pest origin, signs and symptoms 

of disease, and what you can do to stop the spread. 

Information for the pest profiles can be found on 

the Hungry Pests website. Make sure to highlight 

information for your home state. 

3. After students display their work, invite everyone to 

share one fact they learned about invasive pests.

WORKSHOP 2 MEET THE PESTS

MATERIALS

“Top Ways I Spread” infographic, 

scrap paper, colored construction 

paper, colored pencils/markers/ 

crayons, string or yarn, tape 

or glue, scissors, stapler, pipe 

cleaners, other decorative items. 

PREPARATION

Download and print a variety of 

pest cards featured on 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ 

hungrypests/educators. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

• Identify and describe various invasive pests 

• Identify where invasive pests currently exist 

and where they might pose a threat 

• Explain which invasive pests pose a local 

threat 

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 7
WORKSHOP 3 LEAVING HUNGRY PESTS BEHIND 

MATERIALS

“Seven Ways to Leave Pests Behind” 

video, “Ways to Leave Pests Behind” 

infographic, pencil, paper, arts and 

crafts materials, computer, printer 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

• Understand what actions you can take to 

stop the spread of invasive pests 

• Create a community plan to raise 

awareness about invasive pests and help 

prevent their spread 

WARM-UP: TELEPHONE (10 MINUTES) 

Youth will play a few rounds of the game telephone. Begin 

with a fact about invasive pests and ask youth to pass the 

message on to the next person. Divide your group into 

smaller groups and try playing more rounds in order to cover 

different facts. Segue by explaining that they will learn to 

communicate effectively in order to inform the community 

about the threat for their service learning project. 

TAKE ACTION: LEAVE PESTS BEHIND 

(45 MINUTES) 

Youth will work in small groups to develop a creative plan 

to spread awareness about the threat of invasive pests. 

Each group can choose any pest or region to research and 

complete one of the following action projects. 

Project A – Hungry Pests Theater (Elementary School) 

Have youth create cause and effect stories about Hungry 

Pests and turn them into 2-minute performances complete 

with scripts, costumes, props, and/or puppets. Each group 

can perform their skits for the group or take the Hungry 

Pests Theater on the road to perform for younger students 

in their school or community. 

Project B – Community Action Plan (Middle School) 

Have youth prepare a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation 

as a group. Each student will present 1-2 slides to 

an audience from their school or community. The 

presentation will include a discussion of the threat and 

persuade attendees to take action to prevent the spread of 

invasive pests. 

Project C – See the Message (High School) 

Have youth develop a plan to install location-specific 

signage that promotes awareness of Hungry Pests. 

Brainstorm ideas to help groups define their target 

audience, message, and a call to action. Supply arts and 

crafts materials or computers to design informative posters 

or print Hungry Pests posters, flyers, and brochures from 

the website. Groups display signs in strategic locations 

such as local fishing, farming, or hiking locations or trails. 

Social media is also an option to spread the word. 

JOURNAL (15 MINUTES) 

Have youth reflect on what they learned about the threat 

of invasive pests in their state and what they believe they 

accomplished through their projects.

VIDEO: SEVEN WAYS TO LEAVE 

HUNGRY PESTS BEHIND (15 MINUTES) 

In small groups, students will identify what information is 

important to share with their community. Have copies of the 

infographic available for reference. 

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 8
travel. Pests can also “catch a ride” in a package sent 

through the mail. When Hungry Pests slip into our 

country, USDA helps hunt them down. 

THE SPREAD 

Pests multiply and grow quickly in number. They 

then spread to other places. Humans help pests 

move around. For example, when we go 

camping and get close to nature, 

it also means nature can get 

close to us. Pests may try 

to hitchhike a ride home on 

our boots, clothes, or other 

camping gear. 

“I’M REALLY NOT THE 

PUSHY TYPE. PEOPLE 

HELP ME GET AROUND 

ON THE THINGS THEY 

MOVE AND PACK.” 

-VIN VASIVE

STOP THE 

HUNGRY 

PESTS! 

INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE GRADE LEVEL K-5 

Something bad might be hiding in our forests, 

parks, and yards. Hungry Pests are insects and plant 

diseases that come from far away and hide in nature. 

Don’t confuse Hungry Pests for mice or mosquitoes. 

Hungry Pests are insects like the Emerald Ash Borer 

Beetle (EAB) and the gypsy moth. These dangerous 

pests can kill trees if we don’t stop them. Hungry 

Pests can even destroy some of our favorite foods. 

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST 

HUNGRY PESTS 

The team at USDA’s Animal and Plant Health 

Inspection Service works to keep Hungry Pests 

out. Pests can sneak into the country inside or on 

fruits, vegetables, and plants that we buy from 

other countries or that people bring when they 

It’s never too early to think about your 

future. See how the team at the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture (USDA) fights 

back against Hungry Pests. Read this 

article to learn about this important work. 

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 9
INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE GRADE LEVEL K-5 

HUNGRY PESTS DETECTIVES: THEIR PROCESS 

USDA ACTS FAST TO STOP THE SPREAD. 

SEE 

A person (like you or me) 

notices signs of a Hungry 

Pest in the garden or at a 

park, on a walk, or while 

camping. 

REPORT 

A person calls or emails 

the local USDA office to 

report what they see. 

COLLECT

A USDA official collects a 

pest sample to figure out 

what kind of pest has been 

found. 

CONFIRM 

USDA scientists identify 

the pest using tests, 

photos from a microscope, 

and sometimes DNA 

analysis. 

ANNOUNCE 

USDA tells local officials 

and the public that a 

pest has been found so 

everyone can help prevent 

the spread. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP 

We can all play a role when it comes to preventing the 

spread of Hungry Pests. USDA teaches people about 

Hungry Pests. Listen for news about Hungry Pests in 

your area and spread the word. Learn what you can do 

to leave Hungry Pests behind. 

Learn more about future careers and jobs at USDA 

by visiting: https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/ 

careers/usda-pathways-programs. 

Did you know? USDA found the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) in Boston with the help of a 

gardener who saw unusual holes on trees and reported what he saw to USDA. That call made 

it possible for USDA to act fast and eliminate the dangerous tree-killing insect. 

People in Vermont made a special 

pancake and maple syrup breakfast 

to thank the people of Massachusetts 

for fighting back against the Asian 

Longhorned Beetle, or ALB for short. 

ALB threatens to destroy maple trees 

used to make maple syrup in Vermont.

A SWEET 

THANK-YOU 

1 2 3

4 5

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 10
ON THE LOOKOUT FOR 

HUNGRY 

PESTS

INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE GRADE LEVEL 6-8 

THE THREAT 

Invasive pests threaten to devour our parks, crops, 

and neighborhood landscapes. These pests are 

plants, insects, or disease-causing 

microorganisms that move into a 

new ecosystem. They can harm 

the environment and eliminate 

foods that we eat. They can also 

destroy trees that give us wood 

to build homes, and flowers that 

make our gardens beautiful. 

Invasive pests cost our 

country billions of dollars 

each year. 

It’s never too early to begin thinking about your future. There are 

many opportunities to grow a career at the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture (USDA). Read on to learn more about this exciting work. 

THE SPREAD 

Invasive pests slip into the country inside or on 

fruits, vegetables, and plants that we buy from 

other countries or that people bring when they 

travel. Pests can also ”catch a ride” in a package sent 

through the mail. When we go camping and get 

close to nature, it also means nature can get close 

to us. Pests may try to hitchhike a ride home in our 

boots, clothes, or other camping gear. 

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST 

HUNGRY PESTS 

The team at USDA’s Animal and Plant Health 

Inspection Service (APHIS) defends America’s 

animals and plants from Hungry Pests and diseases. 

USDA works with partners abroad to keep Hungry 

Pests far away. USDA tells U.S. Customs and Border 

Protection what to look for when checking animal 

and plant products for invasive pests at the 

border. When pests slip through, USDA 

finds the pests and spreads the word to 

make sure everyone is doing their part 

to stop the Hungry Pests.

THIS GUY 

WORKS FOR 

USDA: YOU 

CAN TOO! 

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 11
INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE GRADE LEVEL 6-8 

THE POWER OF MAPS 

USDA uses maps to show the public where invasive pests are, and 

whether they are in their community. Mapping helps raise awareness. 

Maps also help predict the areas of the United States where Hungry 

Pests and disease are likely to go. The climate, including temperature, 

put certain areas at more risk. USDA maps also show which areas are 

under federal quarantine in each state. A quarantine is an area where a 

pest is present and USDA is working to control or eliminate it. 

SEE 

A person (like you or me) notices 

signs of an invasive pest in the 

garden or at a park, on a walk, or 

while camping. 

REPORT 

A person calls or emails the local 

USDA office. 

COLLECT

A USDA official collects a pest 

sample to figure out what kind 

of pest has been found. 

CONFIRM

USDA scientists identify the pest 

in a lab using tests, photos from 

a microscope, and sometimes 

DNA analysis. 

ANNOUNCEMENT 

USDA tells local officials and 

the public that a pest has been 

found so everyone can help 

prevent the spread. 

HUNGRY PEST 

DETECTIVES: 

THEIR PROCESS 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

PROTECTING OUR NATION’S RESOURCES AS A CAREER 

Many different careers are important in the fight against Hungry Pests. Plant scientists, geneticists, veterinarians, and data analysts 

all work for USDA. Their work is actually related to subject areas you study in school. For example, if you have a geography class 

you may already be familiar with the work of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialist. GIS specialists create maps 

and study their results. They use advanced mapping software that captures all kinds of geographic information, including pest 

locations. If you enjoy learning about plants, animals, or technology, then a career at USDA might be right for you. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opportunities for students interested in learning more 

about careers in agriculture, science, technology, business, and many other fields. 

Learn more: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/civilrights/agdiscovery/ct_agdiscovery_program

USDA acts fast to stop pest spread. 

They follow an important process. 

This map shows areas currently quarantined for 

European gypsy moth. 

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 12
SUPPORTING USDA EFFORTS 

Invasive species threaten to devour our parks, 

forests, crops, and neighborhood landscapes. 

These destructive pests are plants, insects, or 

disease-causing microorganisms that move 

into a new ecosystem. They can harm the 

environment and eliminate our favorite foods. 

They can also destroy the trees that provide 

wood for building homes, and flowers that 

make our gardens beautiful. Invasive pests cost 

our nation billions of dollars each year. 

Thankfully, the team at USDA’s Animal and 

Plant Health Inspection Service defends our 

animal and plant resources from invasive pests 

and diseases. USDA works with many partners 

to stop the spread of Hungry Pests. 

PROTECTING OUR NATION’S 

RESOURCES 

Fighting Hungry Pests is an enormous 

challenge. USDA takes the fight to Hungry 

Pests on three fronts: abroad-at the source, at 

the border-before they get in, and across the 

country-fighting back against the pests that 

have slipped in. 

To take on this challenge, USDA assembles 

teams of people from different backgrounds 

and fields. Many of the federal government’s 

plant scientists, microbiologists, veterinarians, 

and economists work for USDA. They are at the 

cutting edge of research and technology. 

FIGHT BACK

AGAINST

INVASIVE 

PESTS 

INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE GRADE LEVEL 9-12

There are many opportunities to grow a career 

at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

Read on to learn more about this exciting work. 

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 13
INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE GRADE LEVEL 9-12 

CAREERS IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE 

LEARN MORE: 

Visit us at 

https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/ 

careers/usda-pathways-programs 

for information about summer 

programs, internships, and jobs at 

USDA. 

studies the business 

aspects of protecting 

plants and animals 

studies the 

life cycles 

and habits of 

insects 

studies all plant life 

from microorganisms 

to giant trees 

provides 

information 

to help make 

rules and 

regulations 

protects the health of America’s 

livestock and poultry from 

foreign animal diseases 

researches 

microorganisms 

such as bacteria 

and viruses 

ENTOMOLOGIST 

AGRICULTURAL 

ECONOMIST 

MICROBIOLOGIST

BOTANIST DATA ANALYST

VETERINARIAN 

PLANT PATHOLOGIST

examines cells 

and tissues under 

a microscope to 

identify diseases 

There are many job opportunities for anyone interested in joining the ongoing fight 

against Hungry Pests. In college, a major in entomology, veterinary science, biotechnology, 

food science, or agribusiness can prepare students for their first job in the field. 

What are your 

interests? If you 

find plants, animals, 

or technology 

exciting then these 

careers could be 

right for you! 

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 14